The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Former Eagles soar in New England
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — One thing sticks out to Patriots running back Dion Lewis about his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Not playing,” Lewis said Tuesday with a smirk.
Lewis is one of three Patriots starters who will be facing their former team in Sunday’s Super Bowl, along with receiver Danny Amendola and safety Patrick Chung. All three players look back on their experiences in Philadelphia differently, but they have played their best football since being rejected by the Eagles early in their careers.
Lewis was drafted by Philadelphia in the fifth round in 2011 and played two seasons for them before he was traded to Cleveland. Amendola was among Philadelphia’s final cuts in training camp in 2009. Chung started his career in New England, spent a forgettable year with the Eagles in 2013, then returned to the Patriots in 2014.
Amendola has experienced people doubting his abilities since he entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Dallas in 2008. He signed with Philadelphia in 2009 after being cut by the Cowboys. But after eight months with the Eagles, he was released. He was signed up by the St. Louis Rams and stayed there for four seasons before signing a five-year contract with the Patriots in 2013. This past Christmas he tweeted a picture of his framed No. 11 Eagles jersey, a gift from a friend.
“It’s in my pool room — hanging as daily motivation,” Amendola said. “I’ve come a long way since getting the opportunity to play there. It obviously didn’t work out, so I guess I take it as a learning experience and just realize how far I’ve come.”
Chung thought he was heading for a fresh start when he signed a threeyear contract with Philadelphia in 2013, but it didn’t work out under then firstyear coach Chip Kelly. Chung was back in New England the next season. The decision paid off with a Super Bowl ring last season.
As for that 2013 season, Chung was coy about what he remembers about the experience. “That’ll be between me and those people,” Chung said.
Lewis said despite his success in New England winning a ring last season and leading the team this season in rushing yards (896) and rushing touchdowns (six), he has learned to stay motivated. “(W)hat most of the guys in the league need (is) an opportunity to compete,” Lewis said.
He said he’s matured a lot since leaving Philly. “People look at you and kind of characterize you,” Lewis said. “They try to tell you what they think you can do without even really knowing you. That’s kind of what I went through. I just kind of keep battling and showing people what I can do.”